"It would not only be me - it's just the way we are playing that people appreciate, the style of playing. Obviously everyone has their own style but, from a neutral point of view, everyone likes to see the way that we are playing."

De Bruyne also spoke of the importance City's advantage at the top of the table will give them in the title race as they are not relying on others to slip up.

"It's nice to have a three-game advantage [in terms of points]," he added. "I want to be in that position but I think the main thing now is that we are looking at ourselves and we don't need to look - like other years - at other people.

"By maintaining the focus on ourselves we will be busier winning our games and not worrying about what's happening with the rest. We are going to put pressure on the rest.